Owls' Promotion Rivals In Turmoil

Wednesday's rivals for promotion from League One, Southampton, are in turmoil today after sacking boss Alan Pardew.

Pardew's departure comes as a big shock, with it coming just two days after the Saints' impressive 4-0 win at Bristol Rovers and with the club one of the favourites for promotion alongside Wednesday.

Dean Wilkins has been named as caretaker manager of the club but Pardew's sacking will be seen as good news for Southampton's promotion rivals, given his managerial experience and performance with the club last season.

Pardew's position at Southampton went a long way to giving the club their promotion favourites tag in the close season and his departure will come as a big surprise to most in League One.

He was understood to be close to losing his job at the end of last season, despite winning the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and finishing just one position outside the play-offs.

But, despite an opening day loss against Plymouth, the Saints looked to be upping their gear in the league with a 4-0 thrashing of the Pirates on Saturday.

It's expected that the Saints board have someone lined up to replace Pardew, with Wilkins' position as boss a temporary measure.